Speedbowl encourages fans to ‘remember Richie’ at Mr. Rooter 161

Waterford, CT (June 19, 2012) – The legacy of Richie Evans’ racing career is well heralded by race fans up and down the eastern seaboard. Everywhere Evans towed his iconic orange #61 Modified, memories seemed to be born. The undisputed “king” of Modified racing and nine-time NASCAR Modified champion left his mark on the sport not only by the hundreds of trips made to victory lane, but also by the lasting impressions left on those he encountered along the way.

When the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour gathers at Waterford Speedbowl on Saturday in a special 161-lap tribute race, Evans will be remembered. While the unique lap-count honors a legend in the open-wheel Modified ranks, the legacy of Richie Evans will be carried forward through the memories the NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee made for those in the racing community.

“Almost every track you go to around the northeast has connections to Richie Evans” offered Speedbowl promoter Terry Eames. “He touched many supporters in our immediate community – fans, car owners, competitors, officials – just as he seemed to do everywhere. There’s no shortage of Richie stories here…that impact is what made Richie Evans special.”

Although history shows Evans was not a frequent competitor at Waterford, the track’s long history with Modified racing leaves a fertile ground of Evans memories. The Speedbowl has run Modifieds as its headline division every year since it opened in 1951, one of the nation’s longest open-wheel traditions. News of the tribute race sparked many Speedbowl faithful to reminisce in the weeks leading up to the event.

“The event is about more than great NASCAR Modified racing” according to Eames. “It’s about sharing stories, celebrating a legend in our sport.” To that end, track management encourages those in attendance Saturday to share their Richie Evans stories with one another. The track plans to incorporate as many “memories” as possible from fans and racers over the public address system during the event. Evans’ impact reached far and wide, none greater than around the Whelen Modified Tour.

Fans can also interact about the event using social media in the days leading up to and while at the Mr. Rooter 161 on Saturday. Twitter tags include @Speedbowl, #NWMT, #NASCAR, and #MrRooter161 and the Speedbowl Facebook page is located at www.facebook.com/speedbowl.

Pit Gates open Saturday for NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour teams only at 10:30am. Grandstand gates open for Mr. Rooter 161 practice at 1:30pm. Time Trials to set the starting lineup for the Mr. Rooter 161 take the green flag at 5:00pm. Main events begin at 6:30pm beginning with the track’s weekly SK Modified® race. The Mr. Rooter 161 expected post time is 8:30pm. The detailed event schedule for the Mr. Rooter 161 can be found online at Speedbowl.com.

Yes, the news is true and better late than never. The Waterford Speedbowl Awards Banquet will take place on Saturday, March 7th at Groton Inn and Suites. All information will be available here and on Speedbowl.com in the next few days. Spread the word and SAVE THE DATE!!

Did you notice our very own Matt Buckler is up for the national award of Short Track Announcer of the Year!!! You hear him every Wednesday and Saturday all over the mic like green on a leaf!! Give Buckler some votes here!!